On Saturday 30th August, Northland Rugby will take on Hawke’s Bay in what is set to be one of the most meaningful home games of the season. This game is about more than rugby, it’s about coming together as a community to support those impacted by cancer, and to show that in Northland, no one faces the fight alone.
Why This Matters
Cancer has touched our rugby whānau deeply this year. Our much-loved Women’s Rugby Lead, Cheryl Waaka, was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer – a devastating reality for someone who has given so much to the game and to our people. We’ve also seen friends, partners, players, and staff members affected, each with their own stories of courage and heartbreak.
Northland also carries the highest rate of cancer diagnosis in New Zealand – a statistic that reminds us this isn’t an issue happening somewhere else. It’s happening here, in our homes, in our communities, in our rugby clubs.
That’s why we’ve partnered with the Cancer Society in 2025, to raise awareness, drive donations for vital research, and provide support for those living with and beyond cancer.
The Minute of Hope
At our game on 30th August, we’ll launch A Minute of Hope.
Just before kickoff, the stadium will pause to hear stories from four brave voices on our big screen – three Taniwha players sharing their personal experiences of cancer in their families, and Cheryl Waaka, speaking about her own journey.
And then, we will invite everyone in the stands to rise with us.
Not for a minute of silence – but a minute of cheering.
Cheering for those who have beaten cancer.
Cheering for those still fighting.
Cheering for the families standing alongside them.Cheering for those who are no longer with us.
Cheering for a future with more survivors, more hope, and more life.
We want our community to feel the love, the strength, and the unity of thousands of voices raised in support.
How You Can Help
This will also be one of the biggest donation drives Northland Rugby has ever done:
- Bucket collectors will be around the ground.
- TXT-to-donate signage will feature on our broadcast and our big screen.
- Tāne the Taniwha will be wearing a special daffodil headpiece, proudly showing our support for the Cancer Society.
Every dollar raised helps fund cancer research and provides support services for those impacted here in Northland.
Be Part of It
This game is a moment to stand together to support those impacted by cancer. We invite you to join us at Semenoff Stadium, Saturday 30th August vs Hawke’s Bay, to be part of something truly special. Let’s fill the stadium with support, aroha, and the loudest minute of cheering Northland Rugby has ever heard.
